MS261 chain break stalling engine

[N1ck]

I have had a MS261 for a few months now to replace a MS260 that was stolen along with my Land Rover earlier this year. To begin with it was fine, but then I started getting a problem where the saw would struggle and eventually stall when the chain break was on. It got worse through the day as the saw got warmer. I have had it back to the place I bought it several times - a main Stihl dealer who I have used many times in the past and have only had positive experiences with. They have replaced the sprocket roller bearing, they have swapped the sprocket from the original rim and spline to a star sprocket along with a number of other minor tweaks. The first time I took it in there was excessive play in the sprocket and it had jumped off the oiler pump arm which also needed replacing.

 

On subsequent visits to the dealer they have said there does not appear to be anything wrong or it is caused by a build up of material around the sprocket / chain break during the day and it is just a case of keeping the saw free of debris. To be fair the problem only occurs when the saw has been running a while so is hard to replicate at the dealers.

 

I never had a problem with the old 260 and I was initially reluctant to buy a 261 because of the issues with it, but I was assured by the dealer that these had been addressed.

 

Has anyone else had something similar, are there any easy fixes?

[Taupotreeman]

Yep. Had the needle bearing replaced after the last one disintegrated but now we have issues with not being able to start the saw with the brake on and if you put the saw down with the chain brake on it usually stalls. Had it in twice to be checked out but they can't find anything wrong so we just put up with it now.

 

 

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[jamesfwpurdy]

I had problems with one of the first saws when they came out. I had similar problems, wouldnt start or idle after running a bit unless the half choke was on. I went through about six needle bearings some almost instantly even after greasing.

 

I took it to another dealer as the one I bought it from didnt impress me, and they sent it back to Stihl for a new crank (old one had dished) new sprocket and new updated carb.

[Ian C]

Mine does exactly the same thjng.

[phill]

I've had the same problem it wont even start unless the chain brake is off

[Ian C]

I've had the same problem it wont even start unless the chain brake is off

 

Same . There just a bag of crap really.

 

Gone husky now

[TreeswingerPerth]

Mine was nothing but trouble from the off , same sort of crap too . So I sold it on and bought a 560 husky , never looked back .

[felixthelogchopper]

Weren't some dealers putting a different sprocket on before selling them to avoid this?

[peatff]

My Husqvarna 135 does the same till it has really warmed up. It's as if the tick over is too slow but there is no screw to increase it unlike my old Dynamac and it has the tamper proof screw heads to stop you altering the L and H screws.

[phill]

Same . There just a bag of crap really.

 

Gone husky now

 

Think a 560 is going on the Christmas list